15 Amazing Half Day Tours From Reykjavik, Iceland (+ Info & Tips)

Visiting Reykjavik and want to explore beyond the city without spending a full day on the road? In this guide, we share the best half-day tours from Reykjavik – perfect if you’re short on time but still want to experience Iceland’s incredible landscapes and unique activities.

Many travelers visiting Iceland for the first time base themselves in Reykjavik, especially if they’re on a short layover or pre-/post-cruise stop. We often get asked what’s possible to do in just a few hours, and the good news is: quite a lot!

In this list, you’ll find a range of options – from nature adventures and cultural experiences to geothermal pools – all doable in half a day from Reykjavik. To help you plan your time, we also included some practical information and tour suggestions to help you find the best excursions that fit your schedule, interests, and the season when you travel.

PRO TIP: We recommend booking your tours in Iceland via GetYourGuide – one of the world’s leading tour booking companies. They offer the best customer service and better cancellation options than small tour companies. Additionally, if a tour is canceled due to the ever-changing Icelandic weather, you can be assured of a refund.

Where to stay for sightseeing and excursions: Looking for a good price/quality hotel in Reykjavik city center? We recommend Grandi by Center Hotels. It’s conveniently located for excursion pick-ups and close to the harbor. For more information and hotel tips, see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Reykjavik

   

TIP: While usually a bit longer than half a day, one of the popular tours near Reykjavik at the moment is hiking to recently-erupted volcanos! There have been quite a few volcanic eruptions in the last few years, and you can see some eruption sites. You can hike there on your own, but it’s safer and easier to go on a tour. There are various tours, most include a pick-up in Reykjavik. And if your budget allows it, there is no better way to see the unique landscapes than from a helicopter!

Have more time? If you have more time in Reykjavik and are looking for full-day tours, check out our selection of the best Iceland day tours and excursions for all seasons. Visiting in winter? Take a look at the best winter day trips from Reykjavik!

These are the very best (half) day tours from Reykjavik:

1. Golden Circle

The most popular tour from Reykjavik is an excursion to the famous Golden Circle. Since it’s not too far from the city, it is possible to see the main highlights in just half a day, and tons of companies offer Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik.

The Golden Circle encompasses three main landmarks: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Full-day tours usually include several more stops, such as Kerid Crater, whereas half-day tours just concentrate on these three top sights.

If you have time for just one excursion near Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is by far the best place to see some of the most diverse scenery in a short time.

Good to know: The shortest tours usually require at least 7.5-8 hours, but there are so many options with varying pick-up times that it’s not difficult to find a tour to suit your itinerary. This is one of the most popular half-day tours of the Golden Circle.

2. Helicopter Tours

A scenic helicopter tour is one of the most memorable things you can do in Iceland! And since most flights only take 40 to 90 minutes, it’s a great short excursion that you can do in Reykjavik in any season.

Icelandic landscapes are incredibly beautiful, but for the most part, completely inaccessible. Seeing this unique country from the air is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Here are the best helicopter tours from Reykjavik:

• Panoramic Helicopter Flight above Reykjavik (40 minutes). This is one of the shortest helicopter tours and mostly focuses on Reykjavik and its surroundings. Great price/quality and loving reviews.

• New Volcanic Area Helicopter Tour (40 minutes). This tour takes you to the new volcanic area in the Reykjanes Peninsula. You soar above newly formed lava fields and craters.

• Geothermal Helicopter Tour (1 hour). This is one of the best price-quality helicopter tours in Reykjavik. It not only tours above the city but also above some amazing landscapes nearby. It includes one landing in a spectacular spot next to hot springs.

• Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour with 2 Landings (2 hours). This is the most epic helicopter tour from Reykjavik that takes you to some of the most remote areas in the Icelandic Highlands. If you have time and budget, don’t hesitate.

3. Whale Watching

Whale watching excursions are super popular. They take just 2-3 hours, start in Reykjavik city center, and are super easy to add to any itinerary.

The best season to see whales in Iceland is from April to September. However, there is a good chance to see them in other seasons as well, so most tours run the whole year round. That said, I don’t recommend these tours in winter. Daylight hours are so limited, and there are better ways to use them than sitting on a boat in freezing cold and with little chance to see whales.

Anyway, if you are in Reykjavik in the warmer months, definitely consider a whale watching tour. After all, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see them.

Good to know: Most whale-watching tours from Reykjavik take 3-4 hours, but there are also express tours that take just 2 hours. Also, there are whale watching tours that run at any given time of the day, so whale watching is a perfect choice for a half day trip from Reykjavik.

There are many whale watching tours available, so I dug deeper and made a selection of the best whale watching tours from Reykjavik:

• This highly-rated whale watching tour from Reykjavik is the most popular option. If you don’t see any whales the first time, they offer you a second trip for free. They also run several tours a day, so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule.

• This RIB whale watching express tour is a great option for those who have a bit less time and/or want to get really close to the whales. We absolutely love RIB tours (also because we never get seasick on these fast boats).

• This highly-rated luxury yacht whale watching tour is another popular option. This tour runs 2-3 times a day and is one of a few that offer hotel pick-up (at an extra fee). If you want to travel in style, this tour is for you!

• If you are looking for an evening tour from Reykjavik, check out this midnight sun whale watching tour.

4. Lava Tunnels

Iceland is a country of volcanos and so lava is all around you. However, visiting a lava tunnel is a very unique experience and definitely something to consider if you are looking for a nice way to spend half a day in Reykjavik.

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel is located just half an hour drive from Reykjavik and makes a great half day trip in Iceland. We highly recommend this popular tour. It only takes about 3 hours and has several departure times daily. Furthermore, this tour is easy and suitable for most people.

Good to know: If you have a car, you can also drive to the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel on your own. In that case, be sure to book your tickets in advance. That way, you can be sure you got a spot reserved for a tour when you arrive (you’ll always have to join a guided tour in order to enter the cave).

Leiðarendi Lava Tube is another popular option, also about the same distance from the city. This small-group lava tube tour has multiple departure times and also takes just 3 hours. Keep in mind that this option is more adventurous and involves some crawling. It’s not suitable for young children.

5. Blue Lagoon and/or Sky Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular tourist attraction and a good half-day trip from Reykjavik. It’s a huge geothermal pool with a distinctive blue or milky blue color (the color depends on the light, etc.).

You can easily visit the Blue Lagoon as a half-day tour from Reykjavik on your own or as part of an organized tour in combination with, for example, the Golden Circle. If you go on your own, you’ll need to book your Blue Lagoon tickets in advance – they limit the number of visitors and often sell out. If you need transportation from the city, book tickets with bus transfers.

Good to know: It takes about an hour to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik, and you need at least 2 hours inside, so count at least 4 hours for this half-day trip from Reykjavik. You can also visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to or from the airport. In that case, reserve bus transfers to/from Keflavik Airport.

Alternatively – or in addition – we highly recommend the Sky Lagoon. This geothermal pool is smaller and a lot quieter than the Blue Lagoon, has amazing views, and is located closer to the city – ideal if you have just a few hours.

Here too, you need to reserve your entry well ahead – check availability here. If you don’t have a car, it’s best to book tickets with transfers included.

6. Northern Lights

If you are visiting Reykjavik from mid-September to mid-April, one of the best evening tours is to go hunting for the Northern Lights. While there is a chance to see auroras in Reykjavik city as well, light pollution minimizes your chances. Not to mention that it’s a completely different experience to see them surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Another good reason to book a Northern Lights tour is that visibility depends heavily on weather conditions, especially clear skies. Tour operators monitor forecasts and cloud cover closely and choose the best viewing spot each night based on where the chances of seeing the aurora are highest.

There are many Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik; here are some of the best ones:

• Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour. This is one of the best-value small-group tours.
• Northern Lights Bus Tour. This is the most popular tour by big bus, with the best customer reviews among all the comparable options.
• Northern Lights Tour by Boat. A great option for those who are looking for a truly unique experience with more comfort than on land-based tours.

READ ALSO: FAQ & Tips for Northern Lights in Iceland

7. Reykjanes Peninsula

Often overlooked by first-time visitors, the Reykjanes Peninsula is one of the most unique areas near Reykjavik. Located close to Keflavik Airport, Reykjanes makes a good half-day tour from Reykjavik, but also a good option for a stopover tour in Iceland.

With dramatic coastal landscapes, geothermal features, lighthouses, and local villages, the Reykjanes Peninsula is a perfect introduction to Iceland. If you are looking for a more local experience, a place that’s not yet overrun by tourists, then this area is an excellent choice for a half day tour from Reykjavik.

Here you can check out the best options for Reykjanes Peninsula tours.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Reykjanes Peninsula

8. Reykjavik City Highlights

When researching half day tours from Reykjavik, you shouldn’t forget that there are quite some nice and interesting ways to explore Reykjavik town itself. Further below you can find our suggestions for Reykjavik food tours. But first – a few suggestions for short city tours in Reykjavik. These are perfect if your time in Reykjavik is really limited. Find out!

Reykjavik isn’t a big town and you don’t need more than half a day to see the main highlights. You could easily do it on your own, but if you have no time to do any research and want to learn more about Reykjavik, I strongly suggest that you join a guided walking tour with a local.

Below you can find my hand-picked selection of three popular Reykjavik city tours:

• Reykjavik City Walking Tour. This tour focuses on the highlights of Reykjavik and covers all the ‘musts’. This 3-hour tour has one drawback – it only runs once a day, in the afternoon, so it might not always fit your itinerary if you only have half a day in Reykjavik.

• Walk with a Viking – Your Introduction to Reykjavik. This 2-hour city tour has great reviews and three possible starting times during the day, allowing you to find a tour that best suits your itinerary.

• Reykjavik: Elves & Trolls of Iceland Walking Tour. This tour is perfect for those who are looking to learn more about Icelandic mythology and see something unique in Reykjavik. It goes a bit more off the beaten track and will not bring you to the typical tourist attractions.

TIP: If you have a couple of hours to fill in Reykjavik, you may want to check out Perlan – Wonders of Iceland. It’s a sort of interactive museum where you can experience Iceland’s natural wonders all in one place. You can see auroras and even walk in an ice tunnel! There is also a planetarium, a café, and an observation deck. You can book your ticket here; it includes a free shuttle from Harpan Music Hall in Reykjavik downtown.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Best Things To Do in Reykjavik

9. Icelandic Food Tasting in Reykjavik

One of the most authentic ways to discover any country or city is through its food and drinks. Reykjavik in Iceland is no exception. There are serval popular food and beer tours in Reykjavik that only require a few hours of your time. It’s a great way to see the city and taste some Icelandic specialties.

If you are interested in Icelandic food, check this highly rated food tasting tour in Reykjavik. It runs several times a day and takes about 3 hours.

If you are looking for an evening tour in Reykjavik and are over 20 years old, consider one of the popular Icelandic beer tours.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Reykjavik in One Day

10. Puffin Watching Tours

If you are visiting Reykjavik in the summer, you might be lucky enough to see puffins. There are several places where puffins nest not too far from Reykjavik, and so there are several boat tours available.

Most puffin-watching tours only last an hour or two, and often you have the chance to see whales as well.

This most popular puffin watching boat tour from Reykjavik takes just one hour and runs multiple times during the day. It’s also one of the cheapest puffin tours from Reykjavik. This speedboat puffin tour also takes an hour and runs many times during the day, but since the boat is faster, you have more time for actual puffin watching.

TIP: If you have about 4 hours, consider a half-day whales and puffins combo tour.

11. Silfra Fissure Snorkeling

Silfra Fissure snorkeling is a truly unique adventure that you can only find in Iceland. You can snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Silfra lava fissure between the American and European continents at Thingvellir Lake, just an hour drive from Reykjavik.

If you are looking for something truly special to do in Iceland, this is a great half day trip from Reykjavik for any season.

One of the best-rated Silfra lava fissure snorkeling tours offers a pick-up from Reykjavik, with several departures during the day. These tours run year-round and take about 5 hours with driving time from Reykjavik included.

There are more Silfra snorkeling tours (you can find the entire selection here), but the one I linked to above is one of the best options as a half day trip from Reykjavik. And don’t worry, all snorkeling gear is included in the package.

12. Icelandic Horse Riding

If you are looking for a more adventurous yet typically Icelandic half day tour from Reykjavik, you can’t go wrong with the Icelandic horse riding tours.

Don’t worry – these tours are meant for tourists, so all the riding gear is provided and, usually, you don’t need any previous experience.

By far the most popular half day tour is this Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields. It usually runs twice a day and is perfect for anyone who wants to see some beautiful Icelandic landscapes and get acquainted with the Icelandic horses. Horse riding itself takes 2 hours, count 4 hours if you book it with pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik.

13. Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon is another geothermal swimming pool, about 1,5 hrs drive from Reykjavik. It’s a much more low key and authentic experience in nature than the Blue Lagoon. You really can’t compare them. The good news is that visiting the Secret Lagoon costs just a fraction of the Blue Lagoon.

Most people visit Secret Lagoon in combination with the Golden Circle as a full day tour from Reykjavik. If, however, your time is limited and you are looking for a short half day excursion from Reykjavik, then it’s definitely something to consider.

Here you can book Secret Lagoon entrance tickets with bus transfers from Reykjavik. At the moment of writing, this excursion starts at 1 PM and takes about 5 hours.

14. Sea Fishing

Another nice option for a morning or afternoon tour from Reykjavik is to go fishing. There are just a few companies running sea fishing tours from Reykjavik and they usually take 2.5-3 hours.

This is the best-rated sea fishing tour in Reykjavik. It starts at around 5 PM and takes about 2.5 hours.

Good to know: Fishing tours usually run only in the summer months.

15. Quad & ATV Tours

If you’re looking for a more adventurous sightseeing adventure, an ATV or quad bike tour is a great half-day option from Reykjavik. These tours typically take you off-road through Icelandic lava fields, black sand beaches, or up scenic mountain trails with views over the city or the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Most tours include hotel pick-up and require no prior experience – just a valid driver’s license. You’ll get a mix of adventure and nature without needing to commit to a full day. Dress warm and be prepared to get a bit muddy.

Here are some of the best options (2.5-4 hours):

• Quad and ATV Reykjavik Countryside Half-Day Tour.
• Midnight Sun ATV Tour.
• Lava Fields Buggy Adventure.

So, this is our selection of the very best short excursions and half day tours from Reykjavik and in the city itself. Now you know that there is a lot to see and do even if you just have half a day in Reykjavik. The choice is yours. Have a great time in Iceland!

READ ALSO: Iceland South Coast Attractions – Must Visit!

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• Good to know: Iceland Travel Tips
• What to see: Best Places to See in Iceland
• Airport transfers: Reykjavik airport transfers
• Where to stay: Best Places to Stay in Iceland
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter and What to Pack for Iceland in Summer
• Itinerary: Iceland Itinerary Suggestions for 1 to 14 Days
• Ring Road: Best Itinerary for Iceland’s Ring Road in 10 Days
• South Coast: 4 Days in Iceland
• South & West Iceland: One Week Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
• Winter trip: Best Winter Experiences in Iceland & Travel Tips for Iceland in Winter
• Auroras: How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights
• More: Check our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and tips

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Image credits: private collection & Shutterstock.com